Newbie in Need of Help With Club Selection

[QuadrupleBogey]

Hey all, very new golfer here, trying to get started in right direction.

First of all, I know drivers are hard to hit, and some even suggest new players stick with a high-lofted Fairway woods off the tee, at first. I think I might do this. (indeed, I consistently hit my 6 Iron farther than my driver, so I really need to hold off on Drivers before I got nuts). But I'm worried the Fairway heads are too small; are there any large-headed Fairway woods you can point me too? (looking for used and pretty cheap...so at least 5+ years old). I do have an old Steelhead 7Wood, but the head is barely the size of the ball!

Regarding irons; I'm looking for a used set of SGI clubs. But there's millions of options. Again, I'm looking at around 5-10 years old, for the sake of price. Have been all over GolfGalaxy, CallawayPreowned and 2nd Swing. I'm familiar with some of the SGI options from that time period, to include Ping G-series, Callaway RAZR and X Hot,s and the TaylorMade Burner's and R-series, etc.. what else is out there? I need a good sized head and a decent offset. Forgiveness over distance/precision. 

 

Also, for context, I am in fairly bad shape and have some joint/back issues.. def looking for the graphite shafts, either light or regular. But again I'm mostly just looking for basic tips on which brand/model to look at.. I can figure out the details later. Thanks!

 

[LightsOut]

7 hours ago, QuadrupleBogey said:

First of all, I know drivers are hard to hit, and some even suggest new players stick with a high-lofted Fairway woods off the tee, at first. I think I might do this. (indeed, I consistently hit my 6 Iron farther than my driver, so I really need to hold off on Drivers before I got nuts). But I'm worried the Fairway heads are too small; are there any large-headed Fairway woods you can point me too? (looking for used and pretty cheap...so at least 5+ years old). I do have an old Steelhead 7Wood, but the head is barely the size of the ball!

 

 

Phil Mickelson had an interesting take on this.  He said for the small amount of accuracy or consistency you gain using a 3-wood you lose a disproportionate amount of distance.  Don't fear the driver.  I'm not a great golfer, but the driver is my best club.  A little instruction and practice and you'll be hitting BOMBS.  Don't deprive yourself of that joy.

 

As for clubs, there are great deals on pre-owned equipment at the bigger online retailers.  I got a great set of name-brand irons, a driver, a 3-wood,  three wedges, and a Ray Cook putter for under $500.  Ifb that is still a bit steep for you, remember that it is the most important investment you make in golf.  Those are your implements.  You need full confidence and pride in them.  Equipment matters.  Take good care of them and they'll last for many years. 

[Vinsk]

8 hours ago, QuadrupleBogey said:

Hey all, very new golfer here, trying to get started in right direction.

First of all, I know drivers are hard to hit, and some even suggest new players stick with a high-lofted Fairway woods off the tee, at first. I think I might do this. (indeed, I consistently hit my 6 Iron farther than my driver, so I really need to hold off on Drivers before I got nuts). But I'm worried the Fairway heads are too small; are there any large-headed Fairway woods you can point me too? (looking for used and pretty cheap...so at least 5+ years old). I do have an old Steelhead 7Wood, but the head is barely the size of the ball!

Regarding irons; I'm looking for a used set of SGI clubs. But there's millions of options. Again, I'm looking at around 5-10 years old, for the sake of price. Have been all over GolfGalaxy, CallawayPreowned and 2nd Swing. I'm familiar with some of the SGI options from that time period, to include Ping G-series, Callaway RAZR and X Hot,s and the TaylorMade Burner's and R-series, etc.. what else is out there? I need a good sized head and a decent offset. Forgiveness over distance/precision. 

 

Also, for context, I am in fairly bad shape and have some joint/back issues.. def looking for the graphite shafts, either light or regular. But again I'm mostly just looking for basic tips on which brand/model to look at.. I can figure out the details later. Thanks!

 

Hello and welcome to TST. What clubs are you hitting now? 3 wood off the tee for now? Nonsense. Learn to hit the driver. I highly recommend you go and hit a few SGI irons and see what performs best for you. If you’re not able to try/get fitted..then you’re guess is as good as mine with all the options. That being said...a five year old set of any top brand will suit you fine. Ping G series, Callaway RAZR/Big Bertha, TM R series...all as you have looked at.

Graphite shafts may be fine for you. You can also search used irons with Aerotech shafts as they are pretty popular being ‘steel/graphite’ shafts. 
Get a driver, adjustable with 10.5* to start. You may want to keep it under 70g if you know you struggle with swing speed. 50-60g even. Golf is hard. You won’t be able buy a big improvement. But if you search for SGI irons from any top brand you should be fine to get yourself started.

[alexscho]

Hi all,

I've attempted to see if this was already covered...

I am pretty new to golf having spent the last couple of years going to the driving range casually and have taken to the course circa 10 times.

I would like to take some advice on which clubs i should be holding in my bag.

My current set up in as follows

• Ping G30 (white dot which are 1.5 inch longer) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, SW
• Ping G30 Hybrid (4) 22 degree
• Ping G30 Driver (1) 10.5 degree
• Spider Putter

Couple of things which i am thinking about.

• Secure a LW (58deg) as the most aggressive wedge i have at present is the SW (54 deg)
• The Hybrid i have feels like it could be useful but feels short, i.e. i have white dot irons but this is standard length, would you recommend getting this extended?
• Is there any other clubs which you feel could be useful to me?

Thanks in advance,

Alex

 

 

[Shindig]

@alexschoI would suggest a UW to fill the gap between the PW and SW.

If you're a high handicap, I'm not sure you need a 58 degree wedge.  Your priority on short game shots isn't "get it close" (but that's great if you can), but rather "get the ball on the green;  within spots on the green, priority is to spots close to the hole."  But I wouldn't just now use a club that many high handicappers usage tends to risk leaving themselves with yet another short game shot.

[alexscho]

great advice, i'll stick with the wedges i have for now.

[pganapathy]

One other club I would suggest, especially if you can try it before you buy, is a mini driver.  You will get these clubs in around 15* of loft, and this is smaller than a driver but bigger than a 3 wood.  My friend uses one and finds it easier to hit off the turf.  Plus the shorter shaft means he has more control than the 10* driver he has almost stopped using.